Archives of Sexual Behavior最新文献

Orgasm difficulty—reduced frequency, intensity, delay of, and/or absence of orgasm—is the second most common sexual difficulty among women, though little is known about its links to other facets of women’s and their partners’ sexual outcomes. Sexual difficulties are associated with poorer sexual, relationship, and psychological well-being among both members of affected couples, and there has been growing interest in interpersonal factors that might buffer against these consequences. In a pre-registered study (N = 102 couples), we examined associations between women’s orgasm difficulty and sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, and sexual distress, and whether perceived partner responsiveness moderated these associations. Community couples containing a cisgender woman (M age, 31.11 years) partnered with a cisgender man (M age, 32.69 years) completed measures of orgasm difficulty, perceived partner responsiveness, sexual satisfaction, sexual desire, and sexual distress, at baseline, for 28 days of daily diary, and 4 months later. At the daily level, women’s greater orgasm difficulty was associated with their own lower sexual satisfaction and greater sexual distress that day, but not their partners’ sexual satisfaction or distress. There were no significant prospective associations or moderation by perceived partner responsiveness between women’s orgasm difficulty and sexual outcomes. It may be reassuring that partners’ sexual well-being was not associated with women’s orgasm difficulty, though future research should confirm whether partners are aware of any orgasm problems.

Solo masturbation is a common behavior that is associated with both positive and negative outcomes. We suggest that individuals’ attitudes toward masturbation might shed light on these conflicting findings; however, existing measures of masturbation attitudes are very long and have suboptimal psychometric qualities. In this study, 1531 adults (40% women, 54% men, 6% gender non-binary/non-conforming; 18–81 years old) responded to items reflecting attitudes toward masturbation. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, we developed an eight-item Brief Attitudes Toward Solo Masturbation Scale (BATSMS) that has positive and negative subscales. Associations with related constructs (e.g., the most widely used existing measure of masturbation attitudes, pleasure during and frequency of masturbation, erotophilia, erotophobia, religiosity) provide preliminary evidence of validity. The merit of an ultra-brief two-item version of the BATSMS and recommendations for future investigations of masturbation attitudes are discussed.

Diverse perceptions of paying for sex notwithstanding, it is acknowledged as a societal concern in many countries worldwide, with no consensus reached regarding the most appropriate policies. The present study directed its attention toward heterosexual men who pay for sex and sought to explore the potential influences of distress and gender role conflict (GRC) on the likelihood of sex payment, while taking into consideration attitudes toward paying for sex as a mediating factor. Data were collected from a quota sample of 934 heterosexual Israeli men. Of all sociodemographic variables, regression analysis showed that lower level of religiosity was the only significant predictor of sex payment. Above and beyond religiosity, higher level of distress, the GRC scales of Restrictive Emotionality, Success/Power/Competition, and Conflict Between Work and Family Relations, and attitudes of paying for sex as a legitimate behavior were significant predictors of sex payment. Conversely, lower levels of Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men and attitudes viewing paying for sex as a deviant behavior were also found to be significant predictors of paying for sex. Moreover, attitudes toward paying for sex fully mediated the association between distress, most of the components of GRC, and paying for sex. Our findings highlight the interconnectedness between masculine role socialization and men’s psychological experiences, and the potential relevance of these associations to men’s involvement in sex payment. Furthermore, the significant role of attitudes toward paying for sex in the actualization of sex payment is discussed.

African migrants in China are at increased risk of HIV and other STDs. Consistent condom use is the most effective and cost-efficient method of preventing STD/HIV. However, there is limited literature on condom use and its determinants among Africans in China. A national online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Africans in China from January to February 2021. Participants completed a survey including social-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and personal networks. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with condomless sex. The study surveyed 1305 individuals, with 488 reporting sexual activity and being included in the analysis. Most were young, unmarried, Christian, migrants for study or business in China for over a year, insured, and about half proficient in Mandarin. Notably, 53% reported engaging in condomless sex. Among them, African migrants with low sexual health community engagement (80%), lacking condom distribution services (almost 70%), had an average of 5.61 friends. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed higher odds of condomless sex for seven variables: those migrating for study (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.62, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.10–2.40), frequent contact with Chinese friends (aOR 1.71, 1.05–2.78), meeting more than one friend on social apps (aOR 1.57, 1.09–2.28), using social apps in China (aOR 2.19, 1.18–4.08), having over three regular partners (aOR 2.41, 1.02–5.69), using alcohol in the past 12 months (aOR  2.13, 1.45–3.11), and alcohol before/during sex in the past 6 months (aOR 2.16, 1.46–3.21). Our data suggest the need for comprehensive sexual health services that are tailored for African migrants in China. Expansion of condom distribution alongside community engagement and decentralized sexual health services based on personal networks is urgently needed among this population.

Rough sex behaviors have become prevalent among young adults in the U.S. and internationally. However, little is known about these behaviors at the population level. Using nationally representative survey data of 9029 U.S. adults, we aimed to provide population estimates and demographic correlates of 10 such behaviors: consensual and nonconsensual hair pulling, biting, face slapping, genital slapping, light spanking, hard spanking, choking, punching, name-calling, and smothering. We found that 47.8% of women, 60.8% of men, and 67.3% of transgender and gender nonbinary participants (TGNB+) had ever done one or more of the behaviors to a partner. Also, 53.8% of women, 45.7% of men, and 69.5% of transgender and gender nonbinary participants reported that a partner had ever performed at least one type of the assessed behaviors on them, with consent. Experiencing one or more of the behaviors done to them without consent was reported by 19.6% of women, 15.9% of men, and 33.5% of TGNB+ participants. As a general pattern, the behaviors we assessed tended to be more prevalent among younger cohorts as compared with older cohorts and to be reported by more sexual orientation minorities than those identifying as heterosexual. Sexuality educators and clinicians need to be aware of these emerging sexual behaviors. Also, public health agencies should address the increased prevalence of sexual choking, which is usually done as a form of neck compression or strangulation and poses unique risks to health.

Relationship breakups are common yet often distressing events for young adults. Some adjust better than others to the changes following that relationship loss. It is unclear whether rebounding into a new relationship is a helpful distraction or interferes with processing relationship loss. In two studies, we examined whether entering a new relationship shortly after a breakup was linked to individual factors reflecting resiliency and ultimately better adjustment regarding the end of a relationship. Both studies used anonymous online cross-sectional surveys of young adults (18–25 years) who had recently experienced a breakup (single versus in a new relationship). Study 1 (n = 480; 50.2% women) compared groups in terms of individual traits reflective of resiliency (self-esteem and grit) and adjustment (distress, relationship obsessions, and intrusive thoughts). Those who had rebounded into a new relationship (versus remained single) after a breakup reported fewer intrusive thoughts about the past relationship. Study 2 (n = 426; 56.8%) examined whether intrusive relationship thoughts and obsessions were intermediary variables between self-esteem and breakup distress. As in Study 1, those who had experienced a breakup and had rebounded (versus remained single) reported fewer intrusive thoughts about the past relationship. Self-esteem was linked to breakup distress through intrusive thoughts about the relationship loss. Implications relate to education and supports for young people in distress following a breakup.

Sexual-economic exchange is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by biological, psychological, social, and economic factors. This paper examines sexual-economic exchange—including commercial sex and transactional intimacy—through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating perspectives from evolutionary psychology, sexual economics, and the social sciences. Evolutionary models frame these exchanges as adaptive strategies emerging from reproductive asymmetries and resource transfer dynamics. Historically, the institutionalization of private property and male-dominated societies fostered conditions for sex-for-resources arrangements, with prostitution representing an institutionalized and often stigmatized variant. Psychological approaches explore how some individuals arrive at sexual-economic exchange through pathways shaped by early adversity, cognitive patterns, and social marginalization. However, for many, sex work represents a conscious and strategic choice shaped by broader life circumstances and constrained opportunities. Sexual economics theory contextualizes these dynamics within market principles, positing that sexual access functions as a valued resource predominantly regulated by women in heterosexual interactions. Gender asymmetries in sexual desire and resource provision shape mating strategies and intrasexual competition, with societal norms reflecting market dynamics. Efforts to eliminate or liberalize sexual-economic exchange have yielded mixed outcomes, as seen in diverse historical and policy contexts. The persistence of such exchanges underscores the influence of socioeconomic inequality and biopsychological predispositions. This paper advocates for a multiple perspectives approach, integrating the biopsychosocial model, systems theory, and evolutionary psychology to provide a holistic understanding of sexual-economic exchange. This framework is not only conceptually integrative but also practically useful for informing research, improving support services, and guiding evidence-based policy.